Which screw head is specified for attaching steel studs to the top and bottom tracks?

Which screw head is specified for attaching steel studs to the top and bottom tracks?

• A. flute head, type w
• B. truss head, type s
• C. bugle head, type w
• D. pan head, type s

Answer: (D)

Focus on a fastener that properly seats in steel tracks and distributes load well. For attaching steel studs to the top and bottom tracks, a pan head screw with a Type S designation is specified. The pan head provides a broad bearing surface, which helps the screw sit flush in the track and resist pulling through the edges, giving a secure, stable connection. The Type S label indicates a self-tapping screw designed for metal, so it can thread into steel studs and tracks without predrilling and with good holding power. The other head shapes aren’t as suitable for this metal-framing connection. Bugle heads are common for drywall fasteners into gypsum board, not for securing in metal tracks. Truss heads are bulkier and used in different applications where a lower profile or specific seating is needed elsewhere. Flute heads aren’t standard for this purpose, and they don’t provide the same reliable bearing surface in tracks as a pan head.

Focus on a fastener that properly seats in steel tracks and distributes load well. For attaching steel studs to the top and bottom tracks, a pan head screw with a Type S designation is specified. The pan head provides a broad bearing surface, which helps the screw sit flush in the track and resist pulling through the edges, giving a secure, stable connection. The Type S label indicates a self-tapping screw designed for metal, so it can thread into steel studs and tracks without predrilling and with good holding power.

The other head shapes aren’t as suitable for this metal-framing connection. Bugle heads are common for drywall fasteners into gypsum board, not for securing in metal tracks. Truss heads are bulkier and used in different applications where a lower profile or specific seating is needed elsewhere. Flute heads aren’t standard for this purpose, and they don’t provide the same reliable bearing surface in tracks as a pan head.